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Optimized thermoplastic racquet

a thermoplastic racquet and racquet technology, applied in the field of sports racquets, can solve the problems of increasing the cost of aluminum or fiber composite materials, increasing the cost of aluminum and becoming more difficult to obtain and process for applications, and fiber composite materials having similar drawbacks with respect to increased cost and inconsistent supply

Active Publication Date: 2016-07-26
WILSON SPORTING GOODS
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a sports racquet that is designed to support a quantity of racquet string. The raccket includes a frame made of thermoplastic material, with first and second halves that have first and second hoop regions and handle regions. The frame has a set of projections that extend across the string plane and matably engage with bores in the hoop regions. The projections have curved bearing surfaces that engage and support the string. The technical effects of the invention include improved string control, durability, and a comfortable grip for the player.

Problems solved by technology

However, racquets formed of aluminum or fiber composite materials include some drawbacks.
Aluminum is becoming increasing expensive and more difficult to obtain and process for applications such as sports racquets.
Fiber composite materials have similar drawbacks with respect to increased cost and inconsistent supply.
Further, the man-hours required to produce high quality fiber composite racquets are significant.
However such racquets have not been widely used due to poor reliability and durability issues, and undesirable feel and performance characteristics.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0029]Referring to FIG. 1, a sports racquet is indicated generally at 10. The racquet 10 of FIG. 1 is configured as a tennis racquet. The racquet 10 includes a frame 12 and a string bed 14. The frame 12 extends along a longitudinal axis 16 and including a head portion 18, a handle portion 20, and a throat portion 22 coupling the head and handle portions 18 and 20.

[0030]The head portion 18 includes a distal region 28, first and second side regions 30 and 32, and a proximal region 34, which collectively define a hoop 36 having a string bed area 38 for receiving and supporting the string bed 14. In one preferred embodiment, the proximal region 34 includes a yoke 40. The string bed area 38 is also referred to as the head size of the racquet 10. In a preferred embodiment, the head size or string bed area 38 of the racquet 10 is within the range of 80 to 135 square inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the head size of the racquet 10 is within the range 98 to 115 square inches. In alter...

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PUM

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Abstract

A sports racquet extends along an axis and is configured for use with a quantity of racquet string forming a string bed about a string plane. The racquet includes a frame formed of a thermoplastic material, and including first and second halves including first and second spaced apart hoop regions, and first and second handle regions, respectively. The hoop regions includes projections extending from hoop regions in a direction orthogonal to the string plane. At least one of the hoop regions defines a set of bores. The projections are configured to matably engage the bores. The projections extend through the string plane and define curved bearing surfaces configured for engaging and supporting the racquet string. The projections include first and second projections having first and second radii of curvature, respectively. The first radius of curvature being at least 0.5 mm greater than the second radius of curvature.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13 / 686,469, 13 / 686,486 and 13 / 686,525, each filed on the same day herewith by William D. Severa, Scott M. Doyle, David A. Vogel, Robert T. Kapheim and Robert T. Thurman, and each entitled OPTIMIZED THERMOPLASTIC RACQUET, the full disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a sports racquet. In particular, the present invention relates to a racquet formed of a thermoplastic material including a thermoplastic resin and a plurality of fiber segments.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Sport racquets, such as tennis racquets, are well known and typically include a frame having a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion supports a string bed having a plurality of main string segments alternately interwoven with a plurality of cross string segments. Many racquets also include a throat...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A63B49/02A63B51/00A63B49/10A63B49/08
CPCA63B49/10A63B49/02A63B49/08A63B49/03A63B2049/0205A63B2209/00A63B49/038A63B60/14A63B60/08A63B60/00
Inventor SEVERA, WILLIAM D.DOYLE, SCOTT M.VOGEL, DAVID A.KAPHEIM, ROBERT T.THURMAN, ROBERT T.
Owner WILSON SPORTING GOODS